Many happy returns, Dovi

There were also goals from Avi Korman (pen), Greg Corin and the returning Yoav Kestenbaum clinched the points for Hendon who led 3-2 at half-time.

Dovi signed off in style as he will now miss a few games due to his wedding.

Josh Bloom (2) and Jordan Aspis accounted for the Lions goals.

Hendon player-manager Greg Corin told JC Sport: "Lions were a good young side and although we let in a few sloppy goals, we were in my opinion the better team and deserved the victory. We look forward to our upcoming run of fixtures."

Corin was also quick to praise Ari Nevies who filled in in goal again, in the absence of Russ Corin and Arthur Caplin. The Hendon manager said: "Ari is a reliable Hendon stalwart. He never let's us down and is a real team player."

Lions manager Sam Marchant told JC Sport: "We knew what to expect coming in to today from previous matches against Hendon. They are a very well-structured team with a consistent game-plan and they play very tidy football."

LIONS:

SCORERS: Bloom 2, Aspis

HENDON: Ari Nevies,

SCORERS: Fehler 2, G. Corin, Korman, Kestenbaum

The game was open in the first 10 minutes but a few strange happenings meant we found ourselves 1-0 up but then a minute later back level. I don’t think I’m allowed to go into any more detail than that.

"Our heads dropped and we conceded again shortly after which did not help things but we equalised. Hendon took the lead on the stroke of half-time but we came out well and were moving the ball with more intent.

"We equalised and the game appeared to be heading in our favour but we conceded against the run of play. Hendon shut-up shop and we struggled to break through and conceded again with a minute remaining when we had pushed up high to try and equalise.

"I would probably say, for the first time this season, the better team did win. On another day it could have been a very different story.

"We have a lot to learn and every week teaches us new things about the game at the top level and we will use these lessons to improve week on week.

"Hendon showed today why they’ve been one of the best teams over the last seven or eight years and we look forward to the return leg whenever that may be."

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